Employment

Tennessee SB1922 requires all state and local government employers to check the work authorization status of new employees using the federal E-Verify program starting July 1, 2026. If local governments do not comply, they could lose state funding, including grants and shared taxes. The attorney general will be responsible for enforcing this requirement.

Supporters of SB1922 argue that the bill enhances job security for legal workers and ensures that public funds are not used to pay employees who are not authorized to work in the U.S. They believe this measure will promote fairness in the job market and uphold the rule of law.

Critics of SB1922 contend that the bill could lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and discrimination against potential employees, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. They argue that the enforcement measures could harm local governments financially and create a chilling effect on hiring practices.